Before joining IC as a trainee in 1989, Schmidt worked as a journalist for newspapers, radio stations and a news agency. After three years, he became an executive with the management team and then co-owner just four years later. Schmidt has driven the internationalization and networking of IC for more than a decade, lending his talents to a variety of corporations. Food & beverage, health and medicine, public affairs, professional services, technology and transportation are among his areas of expertise. His background includes international PR counsel, crisis management, financial communications, special events, website development, government relations/public affairs, search engine optimization (SEO), graphic design, publishing, marketing and direct mail marketing. Industrie-Contact has been a member of PRGN since 2002.

“I’m looking forward to leading PRGN. I have witnessed the good work being produced for hundreds of clients from around the world,“ said Schmidt. “PRGN is dedicated to delivering the best professional services possible and I’m excited to be continually expanding our global reach to make the network as powerful and efficient as possible.“

President-Elect

Ed Stevens brings more than 45 years experience to his new role as president-elect of PRGN. After serving as vice chairman and president, marketing communications for Cleveland-based Dix & Eaton for nearly 30 years, Stevens launched his own communications firm in 1999. His background includes branding, inquiry management, crisis communications, investor relations, media relations and marketing communications. Stevens has significant experience in such industry sectors as manufacturing, food/food service, safety, healthcare, chemicals, banking, professional services, distribution, utilities and building/construction.

“As a PRGN co-founder, I‘m humbled by the opportunity to lead and work with the best public relations minds across the globe,“ said Stevens. “Through membership, we grow in our understanding of each other, the PR industry and the local worlds in which we live. For our clients, we offer the power of a global network that produces results through collaborative, collegial and creative campaigns targeted at the local communities we serve.”